Minutes of The Price City Council Meeting

City Hall: Price, Utah

March 8, 2006, 5:30 p.m.

 

Present:

Mayor Joe L. Piccolo                                          Joanne Lessar, City Recorder

Councilmembers:                                               Pat Larsen, Finance Director

     Richard Tatton                                              Nick Sampinos, City Attorney

     Jeanne McEvoy                                            Gary Sonntag, Public Works Director/City Engineer

     Kathy Hanna-Smith                                       Nick Tatton, Community Director

     Jeff Nielson                                                   John Daniels, Human Resource Director

     Rick Davis                                                    Bret Cammans, Customer Services Director

Aleck Shilaos, Chief of Police

 

Others Present:

    Tamara Gray                         Brianna Welch               J. Scott Olsen               Paul Bedont

    Francis Duzenack                  Greg Lowder                  Gena Welch                  Pat Worley

    Robert H. Etzel                      BreAna Tucker

 

Mayor Piccolo led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Roll was called with the above members present.

 

 1.        COUNCILMEMBERS REPORT - Update

 

The Mayor and Councilmembers presented an update on the activities they administer.

 

 2.        AMERICAN LEGION - Placement Of Flag Pole In Cliffview Cemetery Approved

 

Mayor Piccolo reported that Mario DiCaro and Robert Strong from the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars are requesting that the City install a flag pole in the Cliffview Cemetery.  Their organizations will pay for a plaque to be placed at the bottom of the pole, but would like the City to fund the flag pole with an eagle on top of the pole and a flag.  The Council discussed the request and the appropriate location to place the flag pole.  Gary Sonntag recommended a 25' manufactured pole.  From information provided by Mr. DiCaro and Mr. Strong, it appears that a 25' pole along with the base and mounting hardware, eagle and flag total approximately $1,200.   MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that if there are sufficient funds in the Cemetery Department budget, that staff be authorized to purchase the flag pole, eagle and flag in an amount up to $1,200.  Further,  that the City accept the plaque at the bottom of the flag pole, and that the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars work with the Cemetery Supervisor to coordinate this project.  Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy and carried.      

 

 3.        GEORGE F. ANDERSON - Outside Water Users Agreement Approved

 

Mayor Piccolo presented a request for an outside water connection submitted by George F. Anderson, 712 East 450 South.  Gary Sonntag stated that staff has reviewed the request and recommends approval.  Mr. Anderson will be responsible to obtain the necessary permit and easement across private property in order to place a pipeline to his property.  MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that the Outside Water Agreement be approved and that Mr. Anderson be allowed to connect upon receipt of a share of Price River Water Users Association stock or payment of $1,650 in lieu of the water share, and payment of the connection and meter fees.   Motion seconded by Councilmember Hanna-Smith and carried. 

 

 4.        DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATIONS - Concept Approval

 

Councilmember Tatton presented the proposed departmental reorganizations.  The first one involves the Parks, grounds and Cemetery, of which one is personnel and the other is functional.  Gary Sonntag will be the director over the supervisor, which will be Suda Merriman.  Ms. Merriman will be responsible for grounds, plantings, tree maintenance, street decorations, cemetery and structure upkeep.  She will be responsible for the six full time Groundskeepers in those departments which will be coordinated with Facilities Coordinator Brianna Welch.  The other change involves Recreation.  Bret Cammans will be the director of the supervisor which will be Tamara Gray.  Ms. Gray will be responsible for the pool complex and building services, which are the building maintenance crews and the technicians.  Brianna Welch will assist in the scheduling and be the Facilities Coordinator responsible to coordinate the functions in the Civic Auditorium, the ball fields, and Parks and Cemetery.  Ms. Welch will continue to handle the duties she is handling now, such as the irrigation systems.  Robert Etzel, Mitchell Mortuary, asked if there would be a Cemetery Sexton?  He stressed the importance of having a Sexton and


       March 8, 2006

 

suggested that Brianna Welch be the Cemetery Sexton.  Pat Worley, Worley-Jensen Monuments, agreed with Mr. Etzel=s comments.  Councilmember Tatton stated that one of the functions for Brianna would be the Sexton=s responsibilities.   MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that concept approval  be given to the above departmental changes effective March 13, 2006, and that staff prepare job descriptions and a resolution to support this change.  Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy and carried.        

 

 5.        STITCHES AND SILHOUETTES - Home Occupied Business Approved

 

Councilmember Nielson reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a favorable recommendation to the request of Scott and Kimberly Hathaway to operate Stitches and Silhouettes at their home located at 960 North 300 East.  This is a sewing, embroidery and quilting business.  MOTION.  Councilmember Nielson moved that the business be approved upon the purchase of a business license.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Davis and carried.

 

CONSENT ITEMS -  MOTION.  Councilmember   Tatton moved that Items #6 through #15 be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy  and carried.

 

 6.        MINUTES - February 22, 2006, March 3, 2006

 

 7.        LIBRARY - Permission To Purchase Computer Software For Follett Program In The Amount of $5,941

 

 8.        UTILITY BILLING - Permission To Insert Information On Playground Equipment

 

 9         SUDA MERRIMAN, KENT JONES, SCOTT OLSEN, GARY SONNTAG - Travel Approved

 

Suda Merriman, Kent Jones - Utah Parks & Recreation Association Conference, March 12-15, 2006, St. George, Utah - Ratification

Scott Olsen - Utah League of Cities and Towns Road School, April 25-28, St. George, Utah

Gary Sonntag - Utah Department of Transportation Joint Highway Committee Meeting, April 25-26, St. George, Utah 

 

10.        OPEN AIR CINEMA, INC. - Contract To Provide Movies During International Days Approved

 

11.        UTAH ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL POWER SYSTEMS - Authorization To Enter Into Agreement For Personnel and Equipment Assistance

 

12.        CONSTRUCTION OF CITY HALL AND HIGH SCHOOL SUBSTATIONS - Permission To Begin Bid Process

 

13.        STORM DRAIN LOAN - Permission To Pay Balance of Revenue Bonds In The Amount of $29,000

 

14.        NEW HIRE - Terry Jones, Streets Department Laborer, Permanent/Full Time - Ratifation

 

15.        CHARLIE WESTBROOK - Promotion To Operator #1, Streets Department, Effective February 19, 2006

 

16.        CONOCO PHILLIPS COMPANY - Lease of Oil, Gas and Minerals On City Property Approved

 

Councilmember McEvoy questioned the request of Conoco Phillips Company to lease oil, gas and minerals on city property and if we could end up with drilling sites within the City limits? Nick Sampinos stated that this particular request is on the outskirts of town and consists of .102 acres.  The City does not own the property.  It only owns the mineral rights.  At this point, it is just exploratory and they may or may not drill on it.  Several leases have already been approved on parcels of land within the County that the City either owns or owns only the mineral rights.  The City has never been approached to drill inside city limits.  MOTION.  Councilmember McEvoy moved that the lease be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

 

 

 

 


     March 8, 2006

 

17.        COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER - Lease Agreements Approved

 

Nick Tatton presented a draft of the lease agreements to be used for the Community Economic Development Center (old Police Department) to include but not limited to the Foster Grandparent Program, Price Main Street Coordinator, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, Carbon County Travel Bureau, and Carbon County Recreation.  The agreements are in the same format used for the Price Community Center.  Councilmember Davis questioned the costs associated with the renovation of the building and whether the County or the City is responsible for those costs?  Mayor Piccolo stated that per the County Commission meeting attended by Councilmember McEvoy, is was announced that the County would pay up to $14,000.  If there is an overrun, the City could pick up the difference.  The leases are intended to cover only the maintenance and operation of the building.  Those costs have been calculated by Mr. Tatton and will be reviewed on a yearly basis and recalculated if necessary, depending on energy costs, etc..  Councilmember McEvoy stated that the County Commission approved the above amount in concept, and that if the costs go over, it is to be brought back to them with a proposal as to what to do if it goes over.  MOTION.  Councilmember Davis moved that the lease agreements be approved as presented.  Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy and carried.      

 

18.        LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE SERVICE - Authorization To Advertise For Bids And Select A Provider

 

Councilmember Tatton reported that Price City is currently paying .08 and .10 cents per minute for instate and out of state long distance service.  Emery Telcom has offered .075 cents per minute for both instate and out of state.  Bret Cammans is requesting permission to evaluate other rates and choose the best rate.  MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that Mr. Cammans be authorized to solicit and accept a rate at .075 cents or less.  Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy and carried.

 

19.        ONLINE UTILITY PAYMENT - Authorization For Credit and Debit Card Transactions

 

Pat Larsen requested permission to begin credit and debit card transactions for utility payments.  It does not cost the City anything.  All fees are paid by the citizens making the transactions.  There is no risk or obligation, and if it doesn=t work out, it can be eliminated.  MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that the request be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Hanna-Smith and carried.

 

20.        FIRE INSPECTOR/BUILDING INSPECTION POSITION - Referred To Personnel Committee               

Councilmember Davis suggested to wait until after the budget process to fill the vacant position of Fire Inspector/Building Inspector.  Paul Bedont stated that this position, which was vacated last year, is still funded in the current budget.  Francis Duzenack stated that this is a needed position.  State law requires that building inspections be performed, and we have to have adequate staff to do that.  The department has been lacking for assistance the past 8 months.  We were hoping that this replacement person could be spread between the fire inspections and building inspections and provide better coverage for both departments.  Pat Larsen verified that this position is still in the budget.  John Daniels expressed concern in that he does not have a job description to advertise for this position.  The vacant position held by Bob Bennett was a fully certified licensed inspector, Grade 15.  The job description he received approximately two weeks ago for this position does not require certification for the combined departments.  It allows one, two or three years to get this certification.  He sent the job description back for further review.  Councilmember Tatton commented that since this is the slower part of the year for building permits, he suggested hiring a Fire Inspector to keep the City safe and place that individual as a Fire Marshall/Building Inspector with primary responsibility under the Fire Chief.  He agrees that any additional hires should be put off until July 1st.  Councilmember Nielson stated that he has visited the Building Department on this issue and has seen what takes place and sometimes how far behind it can get.  It is a lot more than just building permits.  This is a small portion of what takes place from what he has seen.  There are a lot of other issues and he is concerned that the future of our economy is built on getting zoning and planning things approved and different requests.  He feels our economy will suffer if this is not dealt with promptly.  The Building Department is dealing with it.  However, Mr. Duzenack feels we are in trouble if we can=t get these requests out.  Councilmember Nielson stated that he does not know all the aspects, but is concerned with Mr. Duzenack=s opinion.  Mayor Piccolo stated that Mr. Duzenack does a great job and he believes if we can provide that level of service for the community, that we should step up and do it.  He appreciates what Councilmember Davis says, too.  Councilmember Hanna-Smith


March 8, 2006

 

            commented that she has taken time to talk to Mr. Duzenack and looked at his desk.  Our goal is

            to get every building located inside the city, but that can=t happen.  She agrees with Councilmember Nielson, that we need to be efficient and get things out in a timely manner.  I know there was a contractor that sat for a quite a while.  We can=t have that.  We should lure business to our City.  If we are to be more efficient by doing that, then we should do it.  She compared last years building permits to this years, which are a lot less.  If there is money for this year, what about next year?  Councilmember Nielson felt that this position for both departments would be saving money.  Aleck Shilaos stated that the City provides a service.  When Mr. Duzenack is gone on vacation and training, we usually get Carbon County to help.  However, they are dealing with issues of their own and we can=t count on them.  In those times that Mr. Duzenack is absent, how do we serve our customers?  We do not have back up.  If something breaks, we have nobody to fix it and hope the County steps in.  Contracting is quite expensive with private entities.  We=ve had to contract out plan reviews which is very time consuming.  We have zoning issues and the only one that does zoning is Mr. Duzenack.  This does not show up on permits or anything else.  Some months are busy and others are not so busy.  There seems to be a pick up in sales tax revenues, we are seeing new people at the schools and new customers on his side of the street.  Something is taking place and we need to be prepared.  The fire issue hasn=t even been addressed for several years.  Councilmember McEvoy asked about the training for Laurie Tryon, Building Dept. Technician and if she is able to help with the work load?  Francis Duzenack stated that she is still working on it.  Basically, it is the same thing she is doing now, issuing building permits.  She will have a better understanding of what she is doing.  Inspectors sent out on the job to inspect have to be licensed by the State.  It=s a Class A Misdeameanor if they are not. They have to be licensed by the State and certified in the Code.  The month of February was a little slow, but things should change this month.  He is expecting seven new building plans for homes and one for a large garage within the month.  Three subdivisions are expanding and we are looking at Phase III of the Elkridge Subdivision, Phase II of the Florence Subdivision, and Rick Krompel is expanding his subdivision with another phase.  The Creekview Shopping Center is in the process of dividing  and converting to a condominium subdivision.  Mayor Piccolo agreed with Chief Shilaos that the City is going to grow.  Cutting this one position will not benefit customer service.  He recommended that the Personnel Committee meet with the departments involved and John Daniels and prepare a job description and return it to the Council as soon as possible.  MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that the Fire and Building Departments request to advertise for a vacant position be referred to the Personnel committee with a recommendation back to the Council.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Davis and carried.             

 

21.        SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX - Permission To Advertise and Hire Part Time Lifeguards and Office Clerks

 

As with Item #20 above, Councilmember Davis questioned the need for additional lifeguards and Office Clerks prior to the budget process.  Bret Cammans explained that these positions are part time and are hired in the summer due to attrition and school.  No additional hours will be added to the budget.  We will only be filling a block of hours.  MOTION.  Councilmember Davis moved that the request be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Hanna-Smith and carried. 

 

22.        DIANNA MUSSELMAN - Access For Dogs At City Parks - Struck

 

MOTION.  As Dianna Musselman was not at the meeting, Councilmember Tatton moved that the item be struck.  Motion seconded by Coucilmember Nielson and carried.

 

23.        KATE ALLEMAN - Charity Walk - Struck

 

MOTION.  As Kate Alleman was not at the meeting, Councilmember Tatton moved that the item be struck.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Nielson and carried.

 

24.        INTERNATIONAL DAYS - Update

 

Councilmember Hanna-Smith stated that a carnival has been hired for International Days.  The movies in the park are a go as well as online registration.  The Chamber of Commerce will send out post cards on the registration.  The theme this year is AEthnic Gardens In A Growing Community@.

 

 

 


 

        March 8, 2006

 

25.        POWER BOARD - Update

 

Councilmember Tatton reported that the high school and downtown substations are being reviewed.  The oil testing results on the transformers came back positive.  This means they are in good condition, which could save approximately $250,000.  Over the past year, the Power Committee has met with UP&L to discuss raising rates under the Price City contract.  However, at this point the discussion have stalled.  The Power Committee would rather have increases in smaller increments rather than one big increase.       

 

26.        COUNCILMEMBER MCEVOY - Appointed As Representative To Community Park Committee

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that Councilmember McEvoy be appointed as the City=s representative on the Community Park Committee.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Hanna-Smith and carried.

 

MOTION.  Councilmember McEvoy moved that the meeting adjourn and that an Executive Session be held to discuss potential litigation.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Hanna-Smith and carried.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

Reconvened at 8:27 p.m.

 

27.        WATER RIGHTS APPLICATION - Hansen, Allen & Luce Engineering Services Approved

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that Gary Sonntag be authorized to pursue the services of Hansen, Allen and Luce Engineering not to exceed $4,000 to prepare a response to the State Engineer pertaining to the extension of  Water Rights Application #91-152 (A17936), White River.  Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy and carried.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.

 

APPROVED:

 

 

 

                                                      

ATTEST:                                                                       Joe L. Piccolo, Mayor

 

 

 

                                                       

Joanne Lessar, City Recorder